BIOM1060 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Alveolar Cells, Olfactory System, Pulmonary Alveolus
BIOM1060 28/03/18
RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY
Basic function
- Homeostasis (Co2, O2, blood pH)
- Generation of speech
- Warm, humidify and clean inspired air
- Olfactory system
- Activation and inactivation of certain hormones
Fick’s law of diffusion
- Shorter distance and/or greater surface area = greater rate of diffusion
Branching within lungs
- Up to airway generation 19: increase number of airways with decreasing diameter
- After generation 19: increase number of airways with constant diameter (increased
surface area)
Diffusion between alveolus and pulmonary capillary
- Wall of alveoli: type I alveolar cell
o 0.5m separates wall of alveoli and plasma of pulmonary capillary
- To diffuse, oxygen must first dissolve in fluid - type II alveolar cell provides fluid lining
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